The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-117, ending Cleveland’s impressive 15-game winning streak to start the season. Jayson Tatum was instrumental in this victory, scoring 33 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, showcasing his skills as a leader on the court.
Despite trailing by 21 points, the Cavaliers fought back fiercely, narrowing the gap to just two points in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell contributed significantly, hitting a crucial 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining, which brought the score to a four-point difference. Tatum, however, responded by making one of two free throws before a hard foul on Mitchell left the Cavaliers’ guard needing medical attention.
Mitchell managed to sink both free throws after the delay, but the Celtics quickly inbounded the ball, leading to a decisive dunk by Al Horford that sealed the game. Tatum’s performance also included seven assists, highlighting his ability to facilitate plays and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Mitchell was a standout for Cleveland as well, scoring 35 points, while Evan Mobley added 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Cavaliers made history as the fourth team in the NBA to start a season with 15 consecutive wins, marking the longest winning streak in the franchise’s history.
Takeaways
Cleveland emerged as an early-season surprise, claiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference. However, they now realize that defeating Boston in a potential playoff matchup will be a significant challenge.
Key moment
The turning point came when the Celtics scored 19 of the last 26 points in the second quarter, transforming a five-point lead into a commanding 65-48 advantage at halftime. Cleveland’s resilience showed as they managed to cut the deficit back down to two points in the third quarter.
Key stat
In the first half, the Celtics excelled with a remarkable 14-for-22 shooting from beyond the arc. Their ability to hit four consecutive 3-pointers in a crucial stretch helped them build a commanding lead.
Up next
The Cavaliers will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, looking to bounce back from this narrow defeat. Meanwhile, the Celtics are set to visit the Washington Wizards on Friday, just one day after a special visit to the White House to celebrate their 18th NBA championship.
